What Not To Put in a Safe Deposit Box

Do not put wills, trust instruments, or powers of attorney in a safe deposit box. Instead, keep these in a fire-proof safe at home or at your attorney's office.

The reason: Upon someone's death, the safe deposit box may be sealed for weeks, resulting in delays and needless costs spent getting a court order to open the box. Even if the box is not sealed, the executor of the deceased's estate will have no access to the box without the will that shows that he is the executor, resulting in headaches and delays.

No legal documents should be placed in a safe deposit box if they will be needed by anyone who cannot gain access to them.

Advisors may only conduct business with residents of these states and offer services for which they are properly licensed.You should consult a tax professional when applying any of these tax planning suggestions.